November 2025 Travel Restrictions: What's Changed
Travel restrictions updates for November 2025 bring significant changes that affect millions of international travelers. The EU's biometric Entry/Exit System has officially launched, the United States continues enforcing visa bans on 19 countries, and the UK now requires Electronic Travel Authorization for nearly all visitors.
These changes represent the most substantial shift in global travel requirements since the pandemic. Whether you're planning a European vacation, visiting family in the US, or transiting through the UK, understanding these new rules is essential for smooth travel.
Key Travel Restrictions Updates for November 2025
Here are the major changes now in effect or rolling out this month:
- EU Entry/Exit System (EES): Launched October 12, 2025, with expanded rollout at major ports including Dover starting November 1st
- Switzerland EES Implementation: Zurich airport begins biometric entry/exit scanning on November 17, 2025
- US Visa Interview Rule: All immigrant visa applicants must interview in their country of nationality or residence as of November 1, 2025
- UK ETA Requirement: Now mandatory for nearly all visa-exempt visitors including Americans, Canadians, and Europeans
- US Travel Bans: Full visa suspension continues for 12 countries; partial restrictions for 7 additional countries
These travel restrictions updates require travelers to plan further ahead and ensure all documentation is current. Additionally, stricter immigration policies mean increased scrutiny at consulates and ports of entry worldwide.
Who Is Affected by These Travel Restrictions
The November 2025 travel restrictions updates impact different traveler groups in specific ways. Understanding which rules apply to you is crucial for proper preparation.
For US-Bound Travelers
Citizens of the 19 banned countries face the strictest restrictions. Full bans affect Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Partial restrictions apply to Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
For Europe-Bound Travelers
Non-EU citizens visiting Schengen countries must now provide biometric data including fingerprints and facial images at border crossings with EES capability. This replaces the traditional passport stamp system. When ETIAS launches in late 2026, travelers from 59 visa-exempt countries will also need pre-travel authorization.
For UK-Bound Travelers
The UK Electronic Travel Authorization is now required for all non-visa nationals. Americans, Canadians, Australians, and EU citizens must apply online before traveling to the UK, even for short visits or transits.
How to Prepare for New Travel Requirements - Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure compliance with the latest travel restrictions updates:
- Check Your Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates and has blank pages for stamps or visas
- Verify Visa Requirements: Confirm whether you need a visa for your destination, especially if you're from one of the affected countries
- Apply for UK ETA: If visiting the UK, apply online at least 72 hours before departure; approval is typically quick but allow extra time
- Prepare for Biometrics: At EES-enabled European borders, be ready to provide fingerprints and a facial scan; first-time registration takes longer
- Update Your Passport Photo: Ensure your passport photo meets current requirements, as biometric systems compare your face to your document photo
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for travel restrictions updates:
- November 1, 2025: US immigrant visa interview location rule takes effect; EES expands to major ports including Dover
- November 17, 2025: Zurich Airport implements biometric EES scanning
- December 2025: EES borders begin taking biometric checks from all travelers
- January 2026: Half of Schengen border points operating EES, processing at least one-third of passengers
- April 10, 2026: Full EES implementation across all 30 Schengen countries
- Q4 2026: ETIAS launches, requiring €20 pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Europe in 2025?
Citizens of visa-exempt countries like the US, Canada, UK, and Australia do not currently need a visa for short stays up to 90 days. However, you must register with the EES biometric system upon arrival. ETIAS pre-authorization will be required starting in late 2026.
How Does the US Travel Ban Affect Green Card Holders?
Green card holders (lawful permanent residents) are exempt from the travel ban regardless of their country of origin. The ban applies only to those outside the US who do not already have a valid visa. Athletes for the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics also have exceptions.
What Happens If My Country Is on the US Ban List?
If you're from one of the 19 affected countries, visa issuance is either fully or partially suspended depending on your nationality. Consult with an immigration attorney before making travel plans, as individual circumstances may qualify for limited exceptions.
Is ETIAS the Same as a Visa?
No, ETIAS is a travel authorization, not a visa. It's similar to the US ESTA program. ETIAS costs €20, is valid for 3 years, and allows multiple entries for stays up to 90 days. Travelers under 18 or over 70 are exempt from the fee.
What You Need to Know - Bottom Line
The November 2025 travel restrictions updates represent a significant tightening of international border controls. The EU's biometric system, US visa bans, and UK ETA requirements mean travelers must plan further ahead and maintain current documentation.
Before any international trip, verify your specific requirements at least one week in advance. Ensure your passport photo meets the latest biometric standards, as facial recognition systems are now standard at many borders. Check our passport photo requirements guide to ensure your documents are compliant with current specifications for your destination country.
Sources: - [U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2026/visa-bulletin-for-november-2025.html) - [ABC News - New Travel Requirements 2025](https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Travel/new-travel-requirements-taking-effect-2025-domestic-international/story?id=117228874) - [Council on Foreign Relations - Trump Travel Ban Guide](https://www.cfr.org/article/guide-countries-trumps-2025-travel-ban-list) - [EU Travel Europe - EES/ETIAS Timeline](https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/news-corner/revised-timeline-ees-and-etias-2025-04-14_en) - [Fragomen - ETIAS and EES Launch Status](https://www.fragomen.com/insights/european-union-european-travel-information-and-authorisation-system-etias-launch-delayed.html)